Beverage brewing method

ABSTRACT

A beverage brewing device is configured to brew beverages such as coffee and tea. A brewing canister having a filter at a bottom end is held partially within a receiving beaker, and a seal is created between the canister outer surface and the beaker inner surface. Brewing media such as coffee grounds and brewing fluid such as hot water are added to the canister, mixed, and allowed to brew. At a desired time, the receiving beaker is moved relative to the brewing canister so that the brewing canister is partially removed from the receiving beaker. As such, a vacuum is formed between the bottom end of the brewing canister and the receiving beaker. The filter stops brewing media from flowing into the receiving beaker, but the vacuum draws the brewed beverage through the brewing media and filter and into the receiving beaker.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/400,869, filed Jan. 6, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,147,the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of devices and methods forbrewing beverages.

Many techniques are used for preparing brewed beverages such as coffeeand tea. Most commonly, tea is prepared by pouring hot water into a cupwith a bag filled with brewing material (i.e., tea leaves). The waterabsorbs flavors and such from the tea leaves and is brewed to become atea beverage. However, eventually the tea bag must be manually removed,and it is often difficult to judge how long the tea bag should be leftin the cup for an optimum brewed tea.

Coffee is often brewed by pouring hot water over coffee grounds that aresupported by a filter. The water flows through the grounds, absorbsflavors and such from the coffee grounds, and flows through the filterinto a cup. While this technique of making coffee is fairly easy andubiquitous, it is criticized for its relatively-low absorption offlavors from the coffee grounds.

Many coffee connoisseurs prefer a technique known as the “French Press”as leading to good tasting coffee and efficient use of coffee grounds.In the French Press technique, coffee grounds and hot water are mixed ina container so that the hot water more thoroughly absorbs flavor andsuch from the coffee grounds during the brewing process. After allowingthe hot water and coffee grounds to brew for a time, a user then pushesa filter through the container, separating the coffee grounds from thebrewed beverage by forcing the grounds to the bottom of the container.The brewed coffee is then poured from the container. Notably, the brewedcoffee should be poured from the container immediately, or it risksmixing too long with the coffee grounds. Also, the French Presstechnique is often time-consuming, and it may be difficult toconsistently control parameters such as water temperature, size ofcoffee grounds, and the ratio of ground coffee to water. French Pressequipment can also be difficult or inconvenient to clean.

SUMMARY

There is a need in the art for a device and method for brewing beveragesthat enables full mixing of the brewing fluid and the brewing media, butthoroughly removes brewing media from the brewed beverage, that is easyto clean, and that enables users to easily control brewing parameters.

In accordance with some preferred embodiments, the present specificationdescribes a brewing device, comprising a frame, a lift that is movablerelative to the frame, a brewing canister and a receiving beaker. Theframe has a first holder, and the lift has a second holder. The brewingcanister is configured to be supported by one of the first and secondholders, the brewing canister having an outer diameter and having afilter, a brewing chamber defined within the brewing canister above thefilter. The receiving beaker is configured to be supported by the otherof the first and second holders, the receiving beaker having an innerdiameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the brewingcanister. The brewing canister and receiving beaker are configured sothat the brewing canister can be inserted into the receiving beaker sothat the filter of the brewing canister is within the receiving beaker,and an upper portion of the brewing canister is not within the receivingbeaker. A sealing member is configured to establish a seal between thebrewing canister and the receiving beaker when the brewing canister isinserted into the receiving beaker. The brewing chamber is configured toreceive a fluid and a brewing media therewithin so as to brew a brewedfluid therefrom. When the lift is moved relative to the frame, thereceiving beaker is moved vertically relative to the brewing canisterbetween a first position, in which the brewing canister is inserted intothe receiving beaker and a second position, in which the brewingcanister is completely removed from the receiving beaker.

In some embodiments, when the receiving beaker is in the first positionand fluid and brewing media are disposed in the brewing chamber, movingthe lift so that the receiving beaker is moved toward the secondposition will create a vacuum between the filter and the receivingbeaker, and the vacuum will draw brewed fluid from the brewing chamberthrough the filter and into the receiving beaker.

Some such embodiments additionally comprise a detent mechanismconfigured to temporarily stop movement of the lift toward the secondposition. The detent mechanism is configured to stop movement of thelift at a third position between the first and second positions, and theseal between the receiving beaker and the brewing canister is stillestablished when the lift is at the third position.

In some embodiments, when the receiving beaker is in the secondposition, the receiving beaker can be removed from the respective firstor second holder independently from the brewing canister. In additionalembodiments, when the receiving beaker is in the second position, thebrewing canister can be removed from the respective first or secondholder independently from the receiving beaker. In yet additionalembodiments, the brewing canister comprises a connector configured toengage the first holder so that the brewing canister is prevented frommoving vertically relative to the frame. In further embodiments, thereceiving beaker is configured to be supported by the second holder sothat the receiving beaker moves vertically with the lift. In yet furtherembodiments, the second holder is configured so that when the receivingbeaker is engaged with the second holder on the lift, and the brewingcanister is engaged with the first holder, the receiving beaker isaligned with the brewing canister.

In additional embodiments, the sealing member is supported by thebrewing canister. In some such embodiments, the brewing canistercomprises a first end and a second end, the filter being disposed at oradjacent the second end, and wherein the sealing member is arrangedbetween the first end and the second end.

In other such embodiments in which the brewing canister comprises afirst end and a second end, the brewing canister is open at the firstend, and a removable cap is disposed at the second end, the removablecap comprising a filter seat configured to releasably receive thefilter. The filter is held securely in place when the cap is attached tothe brewing canister, the filter being removable from the filter seatwhen the cap is removed from the brewing canister. Some such embodimentsadditionally comprise a filter support that interchangeably fits intothe filter seat of the cap in place of the filter, and additionallycomprises a compliant filter configured to be supported by the filtersupport when the cap is attached to the brewing canister.

In accordance with additional embodiments, the present specificationpresents a method of preparing a brewed fluid, comprising positioning abrewing canister at least partially within a receiving beaker, thebrewing canister comprising a filter, a seal being established betweenan outer surface of the brewing canister and an inner surface of thereceiving beaker; placing a brewing media and a brewing fluid into thebrewing canister, the brewing media and filter configured so that thebrewing media is prevented from flowing through the filter; allowing thebrewing media and brewing fluid to steep so that the brewing fluid isbrewed into the brewed fluid; and moving the receiving beaker relativeto the brewing canister without breaking the seal so that a vacuum iscreated between the filter and the receiving beaker. Brewed fluid isdrawn by the vacuum from the brewing canister through the filter andinto the receiving beaker, but brewing media is retained in the brewingcanister.

Additional embodiments additionally comprise moving the receiving beakerrelative to the brewing canister sufficiently to break the seal andremove the brewing canister from the receiving beaker.

Further embodiments comprise loading the brewing canister onto a frameand loading the receiving beaker onto a lift so that the brewingcanister is above the receiving beaker, and also moving the receivingbeaker relative to the brewing canister so that the brewing canister ispartially within the receiving beaker and the seal is established.

Yet further embodiments comprise moving the receiving beaker downwardlyrelative to the brewing canister to create the vacuum between the filterand the receiving beaker. Some such embodiments comprise moving the liftvertically in order to move the receiving beaker relative to the brewingcanister. Further embodiments comprise moving the receiving beakerdownwardly sufficient so that the seal is broken and the brewingcanister is completely removed from the receiving beaker. Yet additionalembodiments comprise removing the receiving beaker having the brewedfluid therein from the lift.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a brewing device having features inaccordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the brewing device of FIG. 1 with somefeatures removed;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the brewing device of FIG. 2:

FIG. 4 shows the brewing device of FIG. 2 depicted between a loadingposition and an at-rest position;

FIG. 5 is a partially cut away rear perspective view of the brewingdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a brewing canister configuredin accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter support and afilter adapted for use with the brewing canister of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a receiving beaker configured inaccordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the brewing device of FIG. 1 depicted in theloading position;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the brewing canister and receivingbeaker when positioned as depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the brewing device of FIG. 1 depicted in amiddle position;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the brewing canister and receivingbeaker when positioned as depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the brewing device of FIG. 1 depicted in anat-rest position;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the brewing canister and receivingbeaker when positioned as depicted in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11A is a partial view of another embodiment of a brewing deviceshowing a detent mechanism;

FIG. 11B shows the embodiment of FIG. 11A with a lift of the brewingdevice engaged with a block of the detent mechanism;

FIG. 11C shows the embodiment of FIGS. 11A-B with the detent mechanismdefeated and the lift in the at rest position;

FIG. 12A is a partial view of another embodiment of a brewing deviceshowing a brake mechanism, with a lift of the brewing device initiatingcontact with a block of the brake mechanism;

FIG. 12B shows the embodiment of FIG. 12A with the lift pushing thebrake mechanism to the side; and

FIG. 12C shows the embodiment of FIGS. 12A-B with the brake mechanismdefeated and the lift in the at rest position.

DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of a brewing device20 is depicted. The illustrated brewing device comprises a frame 22that, in the illustrated embodiment, is made up of a base portion 24,side portion 26 and top portion 28. In the illustrated embodiment, theframe 22 is substantially rigid, and is constructed of a durable, strongmaterial such as a metal or a hard plastic. The illustrated embodimentemploys three spaced-apart guide shafts 30 that extend from the baseportion 24 to the top portion 28, and can be secured in position byfasteners 32 such as, for example, screws or bolts. Preferably, theguide shafts 30 are substantially parallel to one another.

A lift 40 comprises a bottom part 42, side part 44 and an upper part 46.Apertures are formed through the lift upper part 46 and lift bottom part42 and are sized and positioned so as to accommodate guide shafts 30extending therethrough. As such, the lift 40 is slidable up and downalong the guide shafts 30. In the illustrated embodiment, linearbearings 50 are embedded in the lift upper part 46 and lift bottom part42 and in engagement with at least one of the guide shafts 30.

As best shown in FIG. 5, a lift mechanism 54 preferably is provided tocontrol movement of the lift 40 over the guide shafts 30. In theillustrated embodiment, the lift mechanism 54 comprises an elongatedhandle 60 having a handle base 62 that is rotatably supported by or atthe side portion 26 of the frame 22. The handle base 62 is operablyconnected to a gear assembly 64 having a plurality of gears 65 so thatwhen the handle 60 is rotated about the handle base 62, the gears 65correspondingly rotate. A gear rack 66 is operably connected to the sidepart 44 of the lift 40 and in engagement with the gear assembly 64. Assuch, when the gear assembly 64 is actuated by rotation of the handle60, the gear assembly 64 interacts with the gear rack 66 so that thelift 40 is selectively raised and lowered.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gear assembly 64 is disposed within agear space 68. The gear space 68 preferably is enclosed within a cover70. In the illustrated embodiment, a side cover 72 is attached to theframe side portion 26 and includes a side cover base 74 that extendsoutwardly from a bottom edge of the frame side portion 26.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-5, an upper top member 76preferably is placed above the top portion 28 of the frame 22 and alower top member 78 preferably is placed immediately below the topportion 28 of the frame 22. The lower top member 78 can serve adecorative purpose and also can effectively limit travel of the lift 40in an upward direction, as the lift upper part 46 may come into contactwith the lower top member 78 to prevent further upward travel of thelift 40. In additional embodiments, restrictions of the range of travelof the lift 40 can be achieved using other structure, such as a limit tothe gear rack 66 length, by placing stops on or adjacent the gear rack,or by placing stops and/or detents to limit rotational travel of thehandle or vertical travel of the lift 40.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, and with additional reference toFIGS. 6 and 7, a brewing canister 80 is releasably supported by theframe 22, and a receiving beaker 140 is supported by the lift 40. Thebrewing canister 80 preferably is formed of a durable material, such asstainless steel, aluminum or polymer, and comprises an elongatedcylindrical body 82 having an upper opening 84 adjacent its upper, orproximal, edge 86. Preferably, at least one circumferential mountinggroove 88 is formed in the outer surface near the upper edge 86 of thebrewing canister 80. A brewing chamber 90 is defined within thecylindrical brewing canister 80. A lower opening 92 is defined adjacentthe brewing canister's lower, or distal, edge 94. The illustratedbrewing canister 80 includes external threads 96 adjacent its lower edge94, and an O-ring seat 98 is defined adjacent and proximal the threads96. A sealing ring 100 made of rubber, silicone or any acceptablesealing material is configured to fit into and be retained in the O-ringseat 98. In the illustrated embodiment, a sealing lip 102 extendsradially outwardly about the circumference of the sealing ring 100.

An internally threaded cap 110 is configured to be threadinglyattachable to the external threads 96 of the brewing canister 80. Thecap 110 defines a cap opening 112 and a filter seat 114 adjacent the capopening 112. A filter 120 is sized and configured to complement thefilter seat 114 so that the filter 120 seats securely in the filter seat114, but is removable when the cap 110 is removed from the brewingcanister 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter 120 is formed ofa rigid or semi-rigid material, such as aluminum, stainless steel orplastic, and comprises a multitude of small perforations 122 sized toenable fluids, such as brewed coffee, to flow therethrough, but toprevent brewing media, such as coffee grounds, from flowingtherethrough. Preferably, the filter 120 is reusable and easilycleanable. When the cap 110 is threaded onto the brewing canister 80,the filter 120 is securely sandwiched between the lower edge 94 of thebrewing canister 80 and the filter seat 114 of the cap 110 (see alsoFIG. 8A). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the cap 110 is sized sothat a proximal edge 124 abuts the sealing member 100 when the cap 110is fully threaded onto the brewing canister 80.

With reference next to FIG. 6A, in another embodiment, in place of arigid or semi-rigid filter, a filter support 126 may be sized andconfigured to fit in the filter seat 114 of the cap 110. The filtersupport 126 preferably is formed of a rigid material and has a pluralityof apertures 128 formed therethrough. However, the apertures 128 can berelatively large compared to the perforations 122 of the filter 120. Acompliant filter 130, such as a paper or textile filter, can be placedatop the filter support 126, which is disposed in the filter seat 114.The cap 110 may then be threaded onto the brewing canister 80.Preferably, the compliant filter 130 has a diameter somewhat larger thanthat of the filter support 126. As such, the compliant filter 120extends between the threads of the cap 110 and the threads 96 of thebrewing canister 80 so that the compliant filter 130 is securely held inplace by the engaged threads. In this configuration, the filter support126 supports the compliant filter 130 in an axial direction. Notably,the compliant filter 130 can be disposable. Also, although theillustrated compliant filter 130 is generally circular, other shapes,such as square, oval, or the like, can be employed. In yet additionalembodiments, the compliant filter can have substantially the samediameter as the filter support so that it is sandwiched between thefilter support and the canister lower edge when the cap is in place.

With particular reference next to FIG. 7, the receiving beaker 140preferably also has a cylindrical body portion 142 and has an upperopening 144 defined adjacent its upper edge 146. However, the receivingbeaker 140 preferably is closed at its bottom end 148, where a bottomwall 150 is defined. Preferably, the brewing canister 80 and receivingbeaker 140 are sized so that the inner diameter of the receiving beaker140 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the brewing canister80. As such, the brewing canister 80 can be inserted into and throughthe beaker opening 144 and into the beaker 140. Preferably, the brewingcanister sealing ring 100 is sized and configured so that the sealinglip 102 engages an inner surface of the beaker 140, creating a sealtherewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the brewing canister 80 islonger than the receiving beaker 140 so that when the brewing canister80 is fully inserted into the receiving beaker 140, and the cap 110engages the bottom wall 150 of the beaker 140, only a portion of thecanister 80 is within the beaker (see FIG. 8A). Preferably the receivingbeaker 140 is formed of a durable material such as stainless steel,aluminum or a polymer. In some embodiments the receiving beaker 140 isformed of a translucent or transparent material such as glass.

With reference again to FIGS. 1-3, a cavity 154 is formed in the frametop portion 28, and generally corresponding cavities 156 are formed inthe lower top member 78 and upper top member 76. The cavity 154 definesan engagement edge 160 that is sized and shaped to complement themounting groove 88 of the brewing canister 80. The engagement edge 160has an arcuate portion 162 arranged between two entry portions 164. Anaxial width of the mounting groove 88 on the brewing canister 80 isslightly greater than a thickness of the engagement edge 160, and thedepth of the mounting groove 88 is selected so that an outer radius ofthe brewing canister 80 at the bottom of the mounting groove 88 is lessthan a radius of the arcuate portion 162 of the engagement edge 160.Preferably, however, an outer radius of the brewing canister 80 adjacentthe mounting groove 88 is greater than the radius of the arcuate portion162. As such, the brewing canister 80 can be slid into the cavity 154 sothat the engagement edge 160 fits within and engages the mounting groove88 as shown in FIG. 1. In this manner, the brewing canister 80 issecurely suspended from the frame top portion 28 in a manner thatrestricts both upward and downward movement of the canister 80 relativeto the frame 22.

With particular reference to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, aslot 165 extends inwardly and is spaced from each entry portion 164. Abiased holder portion 166 is defined between each entry portion 164 andthe associated slot 165. A first portion 165 a of each slot 165 extendsinwardly from a front edge of the frame top portion. A second portion165 b of each slot 165 extends generally toward the edge 160. In thisconfiguration, the biased holder portion 166 is modestly rotatablerelative to the rest of the frame top portion 28. Further, as shown, thearcuate portion 162 extends beyond 180°, including inwardly-directedportions 168 at and adjacent the second portions 165 b of the slot 165.As such, when the frame is in an at-rest configuration, a distancebetween the entry portions 164 of the engagement edge 160 is less thanthe diameter of the arcuate portion 162, and also less than the diameterof the canister 80 at the bottom of the mounting groove 88. When thecanister 80 is being installed into the cavity 154, the surface of themounting groove 88 first engages the entry portions 164. As the canister80 is pushed into the cavity 154, the biased holder portions 166 areurged outwardly by the surface of the mounting groove 88. Eventually,the mounting groove 88 becomes fully engaged with the arcuate portion162, and the biased holder portions 166 return at least partially towardtheir at-rest positions. In this arrangement, the inwardly-directedportions 168 engage the surface of the mounting groove 88 and thusresist movement of the canister 80 in a direction out of the cavity 154.As such, once engaged with the frame top portion 28, the canister 80 isheld securely in place.

Preferably, cavities 156 in the upper and lower top members 76, 78 haveradii of curvature that are slightly greater, such as by about the samedistance as the depth of the mounting groove 88, than the radius of thearcuate portion 162 of the engagement edge 160. As such, the upper andlower top members 76, 78 fit flush or nearly flush with the outer wallof the brewing canister 80. Also, preferably a distance between themounting groove 88 and the upper edge 86 of the brewing canister 80 isabout the same as the thickness of the upper top member 76 so that theupper edge 86 of the brewing canister 80 fits substantially flush withthe upper surface of the upper top member 76 (see FIGS. 1, 5 and 8).Further, in some embodiments, the arcuate portion 162 curves about anaxis of curvature that is aligned, or nearly aligned, with an axis ofcurvature of the brewing canister 80.

It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, a different structurecan be employed to secure the brewing canister to the frame. Preferably,the brewing canister is attached to the frame in a manner so as to atleast prevent the brewing canister from being pulled downwardly relativeto the frame. Most preferably, however, the brewing canister is attachedto the frame so that the brewing canister is restrained from moving upor down relative to the frame. In one example alternative embodiment,the frame can define a groove into which a ridge formed on the brewingcanister can be slidingly fit so as to hold the brewing canister inplace. Other embodiments may employ additional or alternativestructures, such as a folding or locking member that secures the brewingcanister in place.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiving beaker 140 canbe placed upon the lift bottom part 42 so as to be aligned with thebrewing canister 80 that is suspended from the engagement edge 160. Thelift upper part 46 includes a cavity 170 having an upper cavity part 172and a lower cavity part 174. The upper cavity part 172 is configured tofit about the brewing canister 80, but spaced from the brewing canister,so that the lift 40 can move relative to the brewing canister 80substantially without interference. Preferably the upper cavity part 172includes an arcuate portion 176 that curves about a radius that is lessthan an outer radius of the receiving beaker 140 but, of course, greaterthan the outer radius of the brewing canister 80. Continuing withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower cavity part 174 preferablycomprises an arcuate portion 180 arranged between two entry portions182. The entry portions 182 are spaced apart from one another a distanceapproximating or exceeding an outer diameter of the receiving beaker140, and the arcuate portion 180 is sized to have a radius approximatingor exceeding an outer radius of the receiving beaker 140. As such, thereceiving beaker 140 can be can be slid into the lower cavity 174.

An engagement surface 190 is defined between the upper cavity 172 andthe lower cavity 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagementsurface 190 is generally horizontal. The engagement surface 190 isconfigured to engage the upper edge 146 of the receiving beaker 140 sothat the receiving beaker 140 may not move upwardly past the engagementsurface 190. As shown, preferably a distance between the lift bottompart 42 and the engagement surface 190 generally approximates a lengthof the receiving beaker 140 from the receiving beaker upper edge 146 toits bottom end 148. In some embodiments, a distance from the lift bottompart 42 to the engagement surface 190 may exceed the length of thereceiving beaker, but preferably only by a minimal distance such as, forexample, less than 5% or more preferably less than 3%, or even morepreferably less than 2% of the length of the receiving beaker.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower cavity 174 is shaped tosomewhat approximate the shape of the receiving beaker 140 so as toassist in aligning the receiving beaker 140 with the brewing canister80. Some embodiments are configured so that when the brewing canister 80is engaged in the frame's engagement edge 160 and the receiving beaker140 is arranged on the lift 40 and in the lower cavity 174, the axis ofthe receiving beaker 140 is substantially aligned with the axis of thebrewing canister 80. Other embodiments may not employ much precision,and may rely upon a user aligning the brewing canister 80 and receivingbeaker 140. In still further embodiments, the upper opening 144 of thereceiving beaker 140 may be somewhat enlarged, and then may taper movingdownwardly to the desired inner radius so that if the brewing canisteris somewhat misaligned with the receiving beaker initially, the beakerwill still receive the canister through the upper opening, and then asthe beaker moves up over the canister, contact with the bottom end ofthe canister will urge the beaker to move into proper alignment. In someembodiments, the lift bottom part 42 may have a guide formed therein.Such a guide preferably would be sized complementarily to the bottom end148 of the receiving beaker 140 and would be configured so that thereceiving beaker 140 can be placed in the guide and slid into place inthe lower cavity 174 with desired alignment with the brewing canister80.

FIG. 1 shows the brewing device 20 in an at-rest position, in which thebrewing canister 80 is above but not engaged with or partially withinthe receiving beaker 140. From this position, when the handle 60 isrotated upwardly, the lift 40 will be moved upwardly or proximally, andcorrespondingly the receiving beaker 140 will be moved upwardly and overa portion of the brewing canister 80 to an upper or loading position asdepicted in FIG. 8. Preferably, both the brewing canister 80 and thereceiving beaker 140 are empty when being moved into the loadingposition. In some embodiments, the engagement of the brewing canistersealing lip 102 with the inner surface of the receiving beaker 140 willprovide enough friction to maintain the brewing device 20 in the upperposition. Additional embodiments may employ a detent and/or a brakingdevice that prevents the brewing device 20 from automatically revertingto the at rest position. For example, in one embodiment aspring-and-ball detent in the lift side part 44 can releasably engage anaperture in the frame side portion 26 to help hold the lift in the upperposition. Of course, other structure and configurations can be employedas desired.

With particular reference to FIGS. 8 and 8A, when the brewing device 20is in the upper or loading position, the lift 40 is essentially all theway up in its range of travel so that the canister 80 is received withinthe beaker 140. In the illustrated embodiment, further upward travel islimited by the brewing canister cap 110 engaging the bottom wall 150 ofthe receiving beaker 140. In other embodiments, upward travel may belimited by other structure, such as the lift upper part 46 engaging thelower top member 78 and/or engagement of a detent.

As shown in FIG. 8, when in the upper or loading position, brewing media200 such as coffee grounds can be poured into the brewing canister 80,and brewing fluid 202 such as hot water can also be added. In someembodiments, a mixing rod may be employed to mix the brewing media 200with the fluid 202. With the brewing fluid 202 mixed with the brewingmedia, the brewing process proceeds, with the fluid 202 absorbing flavorand the like from the brewing media 200. The brewing device 20 may beleft in the upper position as long as desired to permit the brewingprocess to proceed. As best shown in FIG. 8A, the filter 120 preventsthe brewing media 200 from flowing downwardly, and all or most of thewater 202 is maintained within the brewing chamber 90 defined in thebrewing canister 80.

With reference next to FIGS. 9 and 9A, after the water and brewing mediahave been permitted to brew for a desired time, the user begins torotate the handle 60 downwardly. In some embodiments, the user maydisengage a brake or detent before or upon rotating the handle 60downwardly. As such, the engagement surface 190 of the lift 40 engagesthe upper edge 146 of the receiving beaker 140, urging the beaker 140downwardly relative to the brewing canister 80. Since the sealing lip102 of the brewing canister is sealingly engaged with the inner surfaceof the beaker 140, a vacuum is generated within the beaker 140. Due tothe vacuum, fluid 202 within the brewing chamber 90 is drawn through thebrewing media 200 and the filter 120 and into the beaker 140. During itstime mixed with the brewing media 200 in the brewing chamber 90, and asit is drawn through the brewing media 200, the fluid 202 becomes abrewed fluid 206 such as a brewed coffee. The brewed fluid 206 flowsinto the beaker 140, while the brewing media 200 is retained in thebrewing canister 80. As the handle 60 continues to be rotateddownwardly, the vacuum continues to be generated, so that most or all ofthe brewed fluid 206 is drawn from the brewing chamber 90 through thebrewing media 200 and the filter 120 and into the beaker 140.

With reference next to FIGS. 10 and 10A, after all of the water has beendrawn from the brewing chamber 90 through the brewing media 200 and intothe receiving beaker 140, the handle 60 is further rotated downward todraw the brewing canister 80 completely out of the beaker 140. As thesealing lip 102 exits the beaker 140, the vacuum is defeated, and nolonger draws any residual moisture from within the brewing chamber 90downward through the filter 120. Also, the lift 40 is moved to theat-rest position, from which the beaker 140 can be removed from thedevice 20, and the brewed fluid 206 can be dispensed into a cup,pitcher, or the like.

In some embodiments, a detent or brake is actuated immediately beforethe lift 40 is moved downwardly enough to break the seal. As such, thebrewing canister 80 and beaker 140 may be maintained in a position wherethe vacuum still draws water through the brewing media before the vacuumis defeated. This can also protect against unintentional or prematurebreaking of the vacuum seal. Once the user is satisfied that sufficientfluid has been brewed, the detent or brake may be disengaged so as tobreak the seal and move the lift 40 to the at-rest position.

With reference next to FIGS. 11A-C, one embodiment of a detent mechanism210 is configured to temporarily stop the withdrawal of the brewingcanister 80 from the beaker 140 before the vacuum is defeated. In theillustrated embodiment, a block 211 is connected to a biasing mechanism212 so that the block 211 is biased to extend into the space in whichthe lift 40 travels. In the illustrated embodiment, the block 211 isattached to a plate 214 that is attached, via a hinge 216, to a mount218. A spring 219 operating between the mount 218 and plate 216 biasesthe block 211 to rotate outwardly, into the space in which the lift 40travels. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the lift 40 is moved upwardly,the block 211 extends into the space and below the lift bottom part 42.As the lift 40 is lowered, drawing the brewed fluid into the beaker 140,eventually a bottom surface 220 of the lift 40 engages a top surface 222of the block 211, as depicted in FIG. 11B, thus stopping furtherdownward movement of the beaker 140 relative to the brewing canister 80.Preferably, the block 211 is sized so that relative movement is stoppedbefore the seal is broken. Once a user is satisfied that the brewedfluid has been sufficiently removed from the brewing canister 80, theuser pushes the block 211 out of the way so as to release the detent andenable the lift 40 to be moved further downward to the at-rest position,as depicted in FIG. 11C. In this embodiment, the detent mechanism 210prevents inadvertent defeat of the vacuum. It is to be understood thatthe illustrated detent is provided for example only, and detentmechanisms having differing structure, and placed at differentlocations, may be employed.

With reference to FIGS. 12A-C, in another embodiment, a detent mechanismcomprises a brake 230 that also comprises a block 231 that is biasedinto the space in which the lift 40 travels. In the illustratedembodiment, the block 231 has an upper cam surface 233 that is angledand/or arcuate relative to the direction of travel of the lift 40.Preferably, however, the cam surface 233 is such that when the lift 40is moved downwardly so that the bottom surface 220 first engages the camsurface 233, as depicted in FIG. 12A, continued downward movement of thelift 40 preferably is stopped, or at least substantially resisted.Preferably, at this position, the vacuum seal has not yet been broken.Once the user is satisfied that the brewed fluid has been sufficientlyremoved from the brewing canister 80, the user increases the forceapplied to the handle 60 so that the lift bottom surface 220 in turnapplies greater pressure to the cam surface 233, overcoming the biasingforce and urging the block 231 out of the way of the lift 40, asdepicted in FIG. 12B, until the block 231 is completely pushed out ofthe way, as depicted in FIG. 12C, so that the lift 40 can be movedcompletely downward to the at-rest position. In this manner, the braketemporarily stops movement of the beaker 140 relative to the canister 80just before the vacuum seal is broken, but the brake can be overcome bythe user simply by increasing the force urging the lift 40 downward. Itis to be understood that the illustrated brake 230 is provided forexample only, and brakes having differing structure, and placed atdifferent locations, may be employed.

In yet another embodiment, a brake can be positioned relative to thelift 40 so that the brake engages just after the seal between thebrewing canister 80 and the receiving beaker 140 breaks. During movementof the lift when the seal is engaged, the seal provides resistance tosuch movement. Preferably, the brake is configured to at least partiallyreplace the resistance previously provided by the engaged seal. It is tobe understood that, in some embodiments, multiple brakes may be used,placed at different locations. For example a first brake or detent canbe placed to stop relative movement prior to breaking of the seal, and asecond brake can be placed to engage after breaking of the seal topartially replace resistance forces previously provided by the seal. Thefirst brake can provide a greater resistance force than the secondbrake.

After use, not only is the receiving beaker 140 removed to dispense thebrewed fluid 206, but the brewing canister 80 can also be removed andeasily disassembled for cleaning. In yet additional embodiments, thefilter, or filter support, can be unitarily formed as part of thebrewing canister 80 so that the brewing canister and filter/filtersupport are formed as a single piece.

The illustrated embodiment has employed a particular structure formoving the receiving beaker 140 relative to the brewing canister 80 soas to create a vacuum that draws water 202 from the brewing chamber 90through the brewing media 202 and filter 120. It is to be understoodthat other specific structures can be employed while still practicingthe inventive principles discussed herein. Additionally, the gear-basedlift mechanism 54 in the illustrated embodiment is provided for exampleonly. It is to be understood that other configurations and types of liftmechanisms 54 can be employed. For example in another embodiment, anelectric motor, such as a stepper motor, or a hydraulic motor combinedwith a linkage or other structure, can be employed to move the receivingbeaker 140 relative to the brewing canister 80. Further, electroniccontrols can be provided in some embodiments for controlling such anelectric motor so as to optimize vacuum forces and/or brewing times. Forexample, in one embodiment, an electric stepper motor will providefeedback to a controller so that the controller can monitor or predictvacuum forces being generated and adjust electric motor controlaccordingly, such as to keep the vacuum forces within a desired range.In some such embodiments using such feedback, the controller maydetermine when substantially all of the water has been drawn through thebrewing media and thus can determine the correct or optimal time toprogress all the way to the at rest position. In still furtherembodiments the controller can automatically control parameters such asbrewing time and the like.

In still further embodiments, the brewing device 20 can be combined witha hot water source that may be called upon to manually or automaticallyprovide water to the brewing canister 80 or, in another embodiment, maybe computer controlled to supply a metered volume of water. Similarly,the brewing device 20 can be combined with a hopper comprising types ofbrewing media, such as one or multiple types of coffee beans, which canbe automatically dispensed in metered amounts into the brewing canister80. In such embodiments, an electronic controller may be programmed tocontrol the process so as to optimize portions of brewing media andwater, water temperature, brewing time, movement of the lift, and thelike as desired for each particular type of brewing media such as forparticular types of coffee beans, grind sizes or the like.

The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures withsubstantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosingand discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understoodthat other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapesand interactions. For instance, another embodiment can employ principlesas discussed above; but may be configured so that the receiving beakeris held still, while the brewing canister is pulled out of the receivingbeaker so as to generate the vacuum.

Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context ofcertain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matterextends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otheralternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number ofvariations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described indetail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventivesubject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the artbased upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that variouscombinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope ofthe inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intendedthat the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed shouldnot be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above,but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims thatfollow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preparing a brewed fluid, comprising:positioning a brewing canister at least partially within a receivingbeaker, the brewing canister comprising a filter, a seal beingestablished between an outer surface of the brewing canister and aninner surface of the receiving beaker; placing a brewing media and abrewing fluid into the brewing canister, the brewing media and filterconfigured so that the brewing media is prevented from flowing throughthe filter; allowing the brewing media and brewing fluid to steep sothat the brewing fluid is brewed into the brewed fluid; and moving thereceiving beaker relative to the brewing canister without breaking theseal so that a vacuum is created between the filter and the receivingbeaker; wherein brewed fluid is drawn by the vacuum from the brewingcanister through the filter and into the receiving beaker, but brewingmedia is retained in the brewing canister.
 2. A method as in claim 1additionally comprising moving the receiving beaker relative to thebrewing canister sufficiently to break the seal and remove the brewingcanister from the receiving beaker.
 3. A method as in claim 1,comprising loading the brewing canister onto a frame and loading thereceiving beaker onto a lift so that the brewing canister is above thereceiving beaker, and moving the receiving beaker relative to thebrewing canister so that the brewing canister is partially within thereceiving beaker and the seal is established.
 4. A method as in claim 3,comprising moving the receiving beaker downwardly relative to thebrewing canister to create the vacuum between the filter and thereceiving beaker.
 5. A method as in claim 4, comprising moving the liftvertically in order to move the receiving beaker relative to the brewingcanister.
 6. A method as in claim 5, comprising moving the receivingbeaker downwardly sufficient so that the seal is broken and the brewingcanister is completely removed from the receiving beaker.
 7. A method asin claim 6 additionally comprising removing the receiving beaker havingthe brewed fluid therein from the lift.